Description

Lemon Chicken Romano is a delightful, crispy pan-fried chicken dish featuring a zesty lemon and garlic sauce. The chicken breasts are coated in flour, egg, and freshly grated Romano cheese, then pan-fried to a golden perfection, and finished with a bright sauce made from lemon juice, zest, and sautéed garlic. This quick and flavorful meal pairs perfectly with greens or roasted vegetables for a wholesome dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Coating

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
1 cup freshly grated Romano cheese
Salt and pepper to taste

Sauce and Cooking

3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
Juice and zest of 2 lemons

Instructions

Prepare the chicken: Pat dry the chicken breasts thoroughly with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor.
Set up the dredging stations: Arrange three shallow dishes: one with all-purpose flour, a second with beaten eggs combined with a splash of water to loosen, and a third with freshly grated Romano cheese. This sequence will create a delicious coating on the chicken.
Coat the chicken: Dredge each chicken breast first in the flour to lightly dust, then dip into the egg mixture ensuring full coverage, and finally press into the Romano cheese, coating evenly for a cheesy crust.
Cook the chicken: Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering but not smoking. Add the coated chicken breasts carefully, avoiding overcrowding the pan. Fry each side for about 5-7 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the chicken is cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Make the lemon garlic sauce: Transfer the cooked chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil. In the same pan, reduce heat to medium-low and sauté the minced garlic just until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in the freshly squeezed lemon juice and lemon zest to create a bright, tangy sauce. Let it simmer briefly to meld the flavors.
Serve: Plate the crispy chicken breasts and drizzle with the warm lemon garlic sauce. Pair with fresh greens or roasted vegetables for a complete and balanced meal.

Notes

Ensure the chicken breasts are patted dry for a crispier coating.
Do not overcrowd the skillet to prevent steaming and to achieve a golden crust.
The Romano cheese adds a sharp, salty flavor that enhances the dish; substitute with Parmesan if unavailable.
The lemon sauce can be adjusted in acidity by adding more or less lemon juice to taste.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is fully cooked but still juicy inside.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Frying
Cuisine: Italian-American

Keywords: Lemon Chicken Romano, pan-fried chicken, lemon garlic sauce, crispy chicken breasts, Romano cheese chicken